Dog behaviour is vast subject, so this topic will focus on the key aspects of anxious and aggressive behaviour, particularly in a clinical context. This should provide you with the most important tools to improve your skills and help animals in your care.
Understanding dog behaviour will help you to:
- Improve the welfare of animals under your care
- Maximise the success of humane handling strategies
- Prioritise the safety of other animals and people around you.
Anxiety and stress are commonly seen in animals in the clinical environment, and it is essential to be able to recognise these emotions and understand what might be causing them. These emotions may also be a precursor to more aggressive behaviour, which is an important reason help these animals feel calm and safe.
Aggression may be considered a normal canine behaviour in some contexts. It can be an important tool for a dog’s survival. It can help to resolve conflict to maintain relationships in social groups (between dogs, but also with humans). However, aggressive behaviour also poses a risk to public health and safety, which is particularly important in rabies-endemic areas. It is important to be able to recognise signs of aggressive behaviour and the possible causes, so that action can be taken reduce risk, protect public safety and safeguard animal welfare.